The Great South Coast Economic Migrant Program was the brainchild of Wallacedale’s Carly Jordan as part of her Leadership Great South Coast project. 

The project offers regional settlement to families from an African background who have lived in Australia for more than five years to fill skill shortages, particularly in the agriculture industry. 

Ms Jordan said she kicked off the project as she was looking to use her skills and experience in international development to benefit the community.

She joined forces with Linda Ford from the iGen Foundation and they hosted community consultations about the project across the region.

“This gave us the opportunity to discuss with people what an increase in population meant for them, and the issues that needed to be addressed to help new families settle quickly into the local community,” Ms Jordan said. 

She said the Southern Grampians Shire had offered immense support for the initiative.

The new adult residents, from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have gained employment in disability support services, aged care, child care and at a local joinery business.

“Early indications are very positive, with families engaging with the community through interactions at their children’s schools, at church, and the community groups they have joined,” Ms Jordan said. “One of our new families has purchased a house in Hamilton, and the other two families are renting, with the view of one day owning their own home here.”

She is hopeful the model her project had used would be taken up by other  councils across the region. 

A Language Cafe has been started to help migrants practise their English skills and to meet new people.

Each family has also been matched with a buddy family from the area to assist them with the move.

The project comes as the Regional Australia Institute pushes for the settlement of migrants in rural areas.